MIAMI— The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a renewed warning to air travelers after multiple incidents involving concealed animals were uncovered at major U.S. airports.
On separate occasions, TSA officers intercepted passengers attempting to smuggle live turtles through security at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In both cases, the turtles were hidden within passengers’ clothing and detected during routine screening procedures.
Photo: TSATSA Warns Travelers
The first incident, which occurred in April at MIA, involved a woman attempting to board a flight with two live turtles tucked into her bra.
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) confirmed that the airport’s Advanced Imaging Technology flagged an anomaly in the passenger’s chest area.
Upon inspection, officers discovered two turtles — one wrapped in medical tape, the other encased in plastic wrap.
Following TSA protocol, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified and responded to the scene. The reptiles were safely retrieved, and no harm was reported.
TSA later took to X (formerly Twitter) with a public message: “We’re back with another desperate plea to stop hiding animals in weird places on your body before airport security.”
Photo: TSAAnother Smuggling Attempt Uncovered in Newark
In a separate case on March 7 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), TSA officers intercepted a Pennsylvania man concealing a live turtle in his pants.
After a body scanner triggered an alarm, agents conducted a pat-down and discovered a five-inch turtle hidden in a blue towel in the passenger’s groin area.
The man, identified as a resident of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, voluntarily removed the animal when questioned. TSA officials turned the turtle over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control for further handling.
The passenger was denied boarding and escorted from the checkpoint by airport police, People.com reported.
Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, commended the officers for their professional handling of the situation, noting, “We’ve seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons, but this is the first time we’ve encountered a live turtle hidden down someone’s pants.”
LaGuardia Airport Security; Photo- American AirlinesTSA’s Continued Enforcement and Wildlife Protection Role
Although rare, these incidents highlight the broader role TSA plays in not only protecting aviation security but also safeguarding wildlife and enforcing related laws.
Concealing live animals violates several federal and state regulations, particularly regarding animal welfare and transportation laws.
TSA urges passengers to check airline policies and federal guidelines before traveling with pets or exotic animals. Attempting to bypass these regulations can result in fines, denied boarding, or further legal consequences.
The agency reiterates that all carry-on items and individuals are subject to thorough screening, and unusual concealment methods — even those involving live creatures — will be detected through advanced security technology and protocols.
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